This Isn’t an E*otic Game?

"Iomene, how is she doing, Saint?"

The question came from Princess Almene, her face gaunt and shadowed by deep dark circles beneath her eyes.

Whenever she mustered even a little strength, she would often call for me to inquire about Iomene's condition.

"She's steadily improving, Your Highness."

It was the truth.

Since the cessation of the torture sessions that used to occur every Tuesday, Princess Iomene had shown remarkable progress.

Hearing my response, Princess Almene smiled faintly, her relief evident.

She absentmindedly touched the area around her left eye.

Her left eye, sealed shut and unable to open, glimmered faintly with the glow of a magical sigil.

"Sometimes, horrible sensations and memories seep through the magic and reach me. They're so agonizing that all I can do is lie in bed. I can't even begin to imagine what Iomene must have endured."

"You will recover. I promise you."

At my words, Princess Almene smiled faintly again.

A hidden princess who had never once shown her face to the public.

If she had, she likely would have become immensely popular.

She was that beautiful.

"I've tried to create only foolishly happy memories. Pretty, beautiful, joyous, and blissful things. I made it a point to eat only the most delicious food and worked hard to build pleasant memories."

"That's admirable, Your Highness."

"It seems selfish, doesn't it? While Iomene suffered in isolation at the Secluded Palace, I was indulging in all the good things by myself."

I shook my head.

I understood why she had chosen that path.

"If Iomene's suffering can breach the magic and reach you, then I believe your joyful and happy memories and emotions can also pass through to her, don't you think?"

Princess Almene chuckled softly.

"That's right. I don't want Iomene to die. I want her to recover so we can share joyful experiences together. When her pain transfers to me, as difficult and painful as it is, I feel strangely glad. It's like I'm helping to carry even a fraction of her burden."

"You are truly noble."

Perhaps it was these efforts by Princess Almene that kept Iomene from completely losing her mind. If negative influences could pass through the magic to Almene, the reverse surely must be true as well.

"Iomene will surely recover. After all, you, Saint, are personally treating her, aren't you?"

I don't know.

Who am I to make such a confident assertion?@@novelbin@@